Four ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day (and they’re not what you think).

It’s February! We made it through the holidays just to get inundated with notions of chocolate, flowers, bling, and extravagant weekends in wine country to ‘reconnect with the one you love’.

But what if we pass on the chocolate and Hallmark cards and approach the day (or the whole month!) with a focus on connecting with the people we care about. Not just your significant other, but your best friend that you never have a chance to talk to for more than 4 minutes before a baby demands attention. Or maybe your favourite uncle who was always quick with a lousy joke and equally fast in sneaking you a cookie when your mum wasn’t looking.

Share some time with someone. Make a pedicure date with your best friend. Catch up for coffee with a friend you haven’t seen in a while.

If you can’t set aside that much time with everyone’s busy schedules, drop off a piece of cake from your favourite bakery. Or keep it crazy cost effective and have your kid finger-paint a very special valentine for their teacher.

Appreciate someone. Look your favourite dry cleaner/butcher/beautician right in the eye and say, “Thank you. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what you do for me. You make my life easier.”

Drop an email to your kid’s soccer coach and say, “Thank you. My kid loves playing soccer, and I really appreciate that you give your time to make that possible.”

Massage someone. I know, this sounds weird, huh? I’m a massage therapist and I’m telling you to Do It Yourself. But massage doesn’t have to be an hour long ordeal with fancy oils and a complicated routine.

Watch a video and treat your partner to a hand or foot massage. Grab this amazing book, A Modern Day Guide to Massage for Children, and learn how to massage your favourite little buddy.

Bonus: Connect with YOU. Not everyone schedules regular massage, and that’s okay. But if it’s been awhile, maybe it’s time to practice a little self-care and get yourself a massage, too. The best gift you can give the people you love is a happy, healthy you.